“I’m sorry,” Roni said softly.

“Don’t be. Every friendship has some sort of push-pull. You’re the pull-away girl, and I will forever push my way into your life, even when you tell me not to, because even though you have lots of new friends and a man who adores you, nobody can take the place of the girl who gave you your first pad when you got your period during dance class.”

They both laughed.

“I can’t believe you brought that up,” Roni said as another knock sounded on the balcony doors. She got up to answer it and said, “Is Joey meeting you here?”

“Nope.”

She moved the curtains and saw Truman on the other side, a black hat pulled low on his brow, the collar of his coat up, his beard tucked against his chest. “Hi,” she said as she pulled the door open, a gust of cold air sweeping in. “Come in.”

“Hi, Roni.” He nodded to Angela and said, “Hey, Angela. Merry Christmas.”

Angela smiled and said, “Hi, Tru. Same to you.”

Truman turned a serious gaze on Roni and said, “I’m really sorry to interrupt, but I need you to get dressed and come with me.”

The tone of his voice sent panic spreading through her. “What’s wrong? Is it Quincy?”

“Yeah, it’s Quincy.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

ROUTINE WAS ESSENTIAL to Quincy’s recovery. The first time he’d gone to rehab, he’d had to figure out what routine even meant. Now he knew all about routine, but creating one that didn’t include time with Roni or a video message from her was agony. He took advantage of just about every therapy the center offered, from twelve-step yoga and emotional regulation to music therapy and gym time. Some days he’d hit the gym twice. He was using the bench press when he was called to meeting room number three.

He knocked, and someone said, “Come in.”

Quincy opened the door, staggering at the sight of Roni standing a few feet away, gorgeous in a red sweater and black jeans, tears visible behind her glasses. “Baby…?”

They ran to each other, and she launched herself into his arms, their mouths crashing together. Their salty tears slipped between their lips. His heart felt like it was going to explode.

“How did you get in here?” He looked around the room and saw Truman standing by the door with so much happiness in his eyes, it was palpable.

“Biggs pulled a few more strings,” Truman said.

With one arm around Roni, Quincy went to him, embracing both of them, because there was no way in hell he was letting go of her. “Thank you, man. For everything. Those pictures are…” He tried to find the right word and realized he didn’t need to. Truman had been there every step of the way, just as he was now. His childhood stronghold and straight arrow to follow, the boy-turned-man who had taught him how to love, protect, and lead himself and others. He may not need to follow Truman any longer, but he was damn thankful he’d stuck by his side so they could enjoy the future they both deserved.